In a warming ceremony celebrating the achievements of our young sportspeople, Federal MP Kevin Hogan presented certificates and grants and chatted with them individually about their prowess and accomplishments.

The certificates were awarded to 32 people, confirming the grants they have applied for to assist them in pursuing their sports from the Local Sporting Champions program.

"Those who received the Awards have excelled themselves representing the Northern Rivers on the state, national and international stage," Mr Hogan said.

"The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to young people aged between 12 and 18 years to compete, coach or umpire in their chosen sport."

"The Northern Rivers has produced some outstanding sportspeople in the past, and it is important that we support the next crop of our local sporting talent."

Christopher Elliot is a 17-year-old gymnast who has trained for 12 years. He has achieved gold and silver medals at the national level and was very pleased to receive some financial help.

“It's really good. It's helpful for the travel, because I travel up to Gold Coast three days a week. So it pays for fuel, and it pays for accommodation and competitions.”

MP Kevin Hogan presenting to Christopher Elliot, Gymnast

When Mr Hogan presented Chris with his award, Chris mentioned that he represents Queensland at the Australian Championships.

“Just stop for a second!” said Mr Hogan, “Chris represented Queensland. Now we are all going to let that go!” to general laughter. Mr Hogan explained it is easier for Chris to go to Queensland than it is to go to Sydney for regular training.

Ella and Ella were both receiving grants for their accomplishments in state representative netball. The girls were a little shy, so Ella's mum, Amanda, spoke about what they have achieved.

“They both went to state to play rep netball, and they actually came runners up in their division.”

Both girls were happy to receive the acknowledgement and look forward to how this will help them. They live 45 minutes out of town, so it is demanding on mum to get her four keen girls to their netball games.

Ella and Ella, friends and Netball Champions

Amanda said, “When you've got all the expenses that come with doing rep netball, this definitely does help. With my girls, anything that I can get to help towards them achieving their best is fantastic.”

Mr Hogan reaffirmed that the Local Sporting Champions grant is provided regularly and is worth applying for.

"I encourage any budding champions out there who have the opportunity of competing at a state, national or international event to apply for a grant by contacting my office or checking out the website ausport.gov.au."

Here is the full list of the 32 Northern Rivers Sporting Champions:

• Zavier Zorzo from Goonellabah - Rugby Union
• Willow Davis from Goonellabah - Hockey
• Sienna Davis-Job from South Lismore - Netball
• Ruby Brown from East Coraki - Netball
• Reggie Field from East Lismore - Rugby Union

Morgan Moran from Lismore Heights, plays hockey

• Milla Zorzo from Goonellabah - Hockey
• Lily Barlow from Lismore Heights - Netball
• Sienna Ambler from Goonellabah - Hockey
• Rue Heffernan from Dunoon - Cross Country
• Edward Shields from Casino - Softball
• Eden Kelly from Goonellabah - Hockey
• Coco Zorzo from Goonellabah - Hockey

Lewis Fairfull from Alstonville - Tennis

• Kalani Franklin from Uralba - Hockey
• Jasmine Halliday from Goonellabah - Basketball
• Jacob Rowe from Alstonville - Cross Country
• Christopher Elliott from Caniaba - Gymnastics
• Bella Duncan from Richmond Hill - Netball
• Beau Briggs from Lismore - Rugby Union

Matthew O'Neill from Geneva - Swimming

• Frankie Morrison from Woodburn - Netball
• Fallon Garland from Lismore - Netball
• Ella Rippon from Tunglebung - Netball
• Ella Davis from Tabulam - Netball
• Ayla Welch from Goonellabah - Netball
• Anneleise Piccoli from Goonellabah - Netball
• Amalia Anderson from Wardell - Netball
• Adelaide Mcfarlane from The Channon - Netball
• Abi-Gail Garland from Lismore - Netball
• Lachlan Rippon from Tunglebung - Rugby Union
• Paige Dalby from Broadwater Swimming

Recipients, family and friends together